Associate Chair for Flight Dept. and Assistant Chair for Aeronautical Science Department

The Opportunity

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University invites applications for the position of Associate Chair, Flight Department and Assistant Chair, Aeronautical Science Department at the Daytona Beach Campus. This position supports the Flight Department Chairman in providing leadership, strategic direction, and administrative oversight to ensure the continued excellence of flight training operations. This role also serves as the Chief Ground Instructor for all FAA ground schools and leads key quality assurance and certification efforts across the department. This individual plays a critical role in maintaining effective communication and alignment between the Flight Department and the Aeronautical Science Department.

Key Responsibilities include:

Leadership & Administration:

• Assist the Chairman in day-to-day administrative duties to ensure efficient and effective departmental operations.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to flight department staff, fostering a culture of professionalism, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Provide leadership to Aeronautical Science (AS) faculty members who are instructing FAA Part 141 ground courses and serving as Airman Certification Representatives (ACRs), ensuring alignment with regulatory standards and departmental objectives.

Committee & Meeting Participation:

• Participate in and lead departmental committees, meetings, and initiatives.
• Attend and actively participate in all Aeronautical Science Department meetings, functions, and events to ensure coordination between academic and flight operations.
• Support the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and long-term strategic goals.

Chief Ground Instructor Duties:

• Serve as the FAA-designated Chief Ground Instructor for all FAA-approved ground schools operated by the department.
• Ensure FAA ground training programs are current, compliant, and delivered to the highest instructional standards.
• Supervise and guide faculty involved in classroom and online delivery of ground school content.

Certification Support & ACR Leadership:

• Lead and coordinate a team of Airman Certification Representative (ACR) faculty members, who are selected from the Aeronautical Science Department faculty.

Quality Management System (QMS) Leadership:

• Serve as the department lead for the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring alignment with internal and external standards for safety, performance, and continuous improvement.
• Track departmental performance indicators and operational trends.
• Identify areas for improvement and lead the implementation of corrective actions and process enhancements.
• Coordinate internal audits, corrective action tracking, and quality review processes.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration:

• Act as a liaison between the flight department and key university offices such as Admissions, Financial Aid, Bursar, Academic Advisement, Marketing, Human Resources, and Legal.
• Ensure strong communication and operational alignment between the Flight Department and the Aeronautical Science Department, particularly in support of curriculum integration, academic advising, and instructor-student coordination.
• Ensure Aeronautical Science faculty are an integral part of the QMS process.

Professional Standards & Conduct:

• Promote and uphold the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and ethical behavior across all operations and instructional activities.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable FAA regulations, university policies, and industry best practices.

External Representation:

• Represent the Flight Department in meetings with students, families, internal stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and industry partners.
• Support public relations, recruitment, and outreach initiatives as needed.

Embry-Riddle: A Global Leader in Aviation and Aerospace

With vibrant campuses in Daytona Beach, FL and Prescott, AZ, plus a Worldwide network across approximately 120 locations, Embry-Riddle stands as the world’s largest aviation and aerospace university. For over 95 years, we've been pioneering education in STEM fields, serving over 11,600 residential students and 19,200 globally in the 2023-24 academic year with cutting-edge programs in Applied Science, Aviation, Business, Technology, Engineering, Safety, Security, and Space.

Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle!   

• Health Benefits: Experience comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships. Our flexible spending and health savings accounts simplify managing healthcare costs. Join a workplace that prioritizes your health—because your journey to wellness should be rewarding! Buckle up for a healthier, happier you! 
• Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.  
• Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes an annual 6% gift of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution, with no vesting period. 
• Generous Time Off: Relax with 18 days of personal leave in your first year. Enjoy 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. 

Required Education and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Aeronautical Science, Aviation Management, Management of Engineering and Technology, Education, or a related field (required).
• FAA Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI and CFII); MEI preferred.
• FAA Ground Instructor certificate with Advanced or Instrument rating, meeting the FAA Chief Ground Instructor requirements under 14 CFR §141.19.
• FAA-designated Chief Ground Instructor experience or eligibility strongly preferred, demonstrating compliance with FAA Part 141 regulations for ground school supervision and instruction.
• Substantial experience as a flight instructor within a structured training environment (Part 141 preferred).
• Demonstrated leadership experience in team or program management.
• Strong knowledge of FAA certification processes, instructional compliance, and best practices in flight training.
• Experience working with or leading Quality Management Systems; familiarity with data-driven performance improvement models.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
   

Application process/requirements

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the Embry-Riddle Career Site and search for requisition number R309909. Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include:

• Cover letter
• Full CV
• Statements of teaching philosophy
• Contact information for at least three professional references (please note that references may be contacted as part of the interview/screening process)

Current Embry-Riddle employees: Please apply directly through the ERAU Employee Hub Central application within Workday.

Embry-Riddle is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We strive to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students are treated fairly and provided equal opportunities for employment, advancement, compensation, training, and other benefits of employment. Embry-Riddle makes employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, and other terms of employment — based on individual merit, qualifications, and abilities. Embry Riddle is strongly opposed to discrimination and harassment, and such behavior is prohibited by university policy. Embry Riddle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, age, religion, or pregnancy status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, in its employment, educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs or activities. For further information, please visit our website.